Native Plants for Birds

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Among the best ways to attract birds is with native plants. These are their preferred foods and nesting sites. Some birds will only hang around places with their favorite plants, and they aren't fond of most imports. Now is the time when catalogs come for spring planting, so plan ahead for the birds!


To find native plants in your area, try searches like "native plants" and (your state or other region). That usually turns up local lists and databases, plus nurseries if you're lucky. There are also databases from places like Garden for Wildlife, Grow Native, National Audubon Society, Native Plants of North America, and Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation.

All kinds of trees are suitable for birds. If you only have room for one, however, in most areas the best choice is a local type of oak. These support the highest number of other species -- over 2,300! -- and grow across much of the northern hemisphere. Here is a guide to some popular types of oak.


Many nurseries offer lists of seeds or plants for birds. These may include native, introduced, or a mix of both species. You get what you pay for: those with most or all native seed typically cost more, but have more wildlife value. Remember that any plant which attracts insects will also attract insect-eating birds. The "bird" mixes focus on plants that produce bird-attracting seeds or nectar for hummingbirds.

Bird and Butterfly Mix Flower - Seed Savers Exchange

Bird & Butterfly Wildflower Seed Mix - Eden Brothers

Bird & Butterfly Wildflower Seed Mix - Neseed

Growing Host Plants and Nectar Plants to Attract Butterflies

Grow Your Own Birdfood Garden Seeds - Seedman.com

Hummingbird Blend - West Coast Seeds

Hummingbird Native Garden Seed – Pollinator Paradise

Wildflower Seeds - Hummingbird and Butterfly


Another popular category is regional wildflower mixes. These give you plants suited to a specific area, its environment, and wildlife species. The tighter the focus, the better. Once established, you can largely ignore these; they tend to take care of themselves well.

Native Regional Wildflower Seed Mixes - American Meadows

Regional Native Wildflower Seed Mixes Archives - Applewood Seed

Regional Wildflower Mixes | 14 Varieties - Eden Brothers

Regional Wildflower Mixes - Nature's Seed

Wildflower Seed Mixes - Grow Organic


If you have specific conditions, you can also search for things like "full sun," "full shade," "dry soil," "wet soil," "rain garden," "woodland garden," "clay soil," "sandy soil," "steep slope," etc.

You can browse native nurseries in general. For best results, find one close to where you live, because their plants will be better adapted to your locale.

Arrowhead Alpines

Buy Native Plants Online: Flowers, Shrubs, Trees, Grass - Direct Native Plants

Native Plant Trust

Native Plants Unlimited LLC

Northwest Native Plants for Sale - Burnt Ridge Nursery

Northeast Pollinator Plants

Prairie Moon Nursery

Prairie Nursery: Native Plants

Southwest Garden Plants - Plant Delights

Where To Buy Native Plants In The United States


Here are some ideas on gardening for birds. Small space? No problem! Many a balcony gardener has discovered a bird nest in a hanging plant.

Attract Birds With Hanging Baskets - AGreenHand

Bird Friendly Garden Ideas: Learn About Growing A Bird Garden

Bird-Friendly Winter Gardens - American Horticultural Society

Container Gardening - Celebrate Urban Birds

Gardening for Birds - Project FeederWatch

How To Create A Pond For Birds (8 Attraction Tips)

How to Invite Birds on Balcony Garden

How to Make Your Yard Bird-Friendly - Audubon

Patio Pals: The Birds and the Bees - EarthCare Northwest

Planting a Garden for the Birds - Earth911

Plants for Birds - National Audubon Society

Twelve Ways to Design a Bird-friendly Garden

Water for Wildlife: Bird Baths and Backyard Ponds

Wild Birds in the Apartment Garden

Wildlife Gardening on a Balcony - Birds and Blooms